Chapter 174

“Rosalie had an important appointment and had to leave in a hurry,” Anya said, her gaze pointedly shifting toward Julian. “Besides, someone here she doesn’t want to see. Even if she came, she wouldn’t have wanted to drink.”

Already in a bad mood, Julian was taken aback.

Rosalie took the elevator to the first floor. Stepping out, the building’s lobby doors swung open, and a gust of cold wind made her shiver. Although the lobby had heating, the constant flow of people kept the temperature from rising significantly. Coupled with it being the coldest time of year, the temperature difference was considerable. Rosalie, not warmly dressed, felt the chill immediately.

Earlier, while sipping her Margarita, she had been fine. But later, she quickly finished the rest, fearing Anya would insist on bringing her to Julian’s group. While a Margarita isn't potent, it was still a cocktail. Add to that her hurried departure and brisk walk, and perhaps the alcohol’s effects were just hitting her. After exiting the elevator, Rosalie felt dizzy.

She went to the lobby's lounge area, sat down, and called Eden. “Eddie, I’m at Soul Bar. Come pick me up.”

After hanging up, she felt even more dizzy. She rested her head on her arms, leaning against the sofa, waiting for Eden. The cold seeped into her, as if the alcohol had opened her pores. She couldn’t stop shivering.

Rosalie didn’t know when Eden would arrive and didn’t call to rush him. She had no idea how long she’d been waiting when she felt her strength draining, her head too heavy to lift. Her temples throbbed. Cold, she instinctively curled into a ball in the sofa corner. Her eyes were slightly closed, but her mind was alert, though she didn’t want to sleep. Her spirits were low, and she didn’t notice her phone vibrating for a long time.

Eden arrived, slightly breathless from hurrying. His eyes anxiously scanned the lobby until he spotted her curled up. Eden’s brow furrowed as he approached. “Rosalie!”

He gently nudged her shoulder, discovering her body was burning hot. “Rosalie?” he said, his voice trembling. He gathered her into his arms. “Rosalie, you have a fever. I’m taking you to the hospital.”

“Okay,” she mumbled, barely audible, and let him lead her away. He could feel her unsteady steps, her weight barely supported. Frowning, Eden lifted her into his arms and started to leave, only to be stopped.

Eden looked up, his eyes darkening as he met Julian’s cold, fierce gaze. “Julian?”

“Seems you still recognize me,” Julian said, his face cold, his voice laced with barely controlled fury. His eyes fell on Rosalie in Eden’s arms, and his anger flared.